Mk1 Storm stalled, now won't start

[the edmundator]

Just as I was discussing the sale of my Storm, it was idling on the drive and then suddenly stalled. I restarted it, then it did the same again after a short while. Now I can't start it. It's too dark and cold to do much poking around, so I can't tell you much more.

I tried a spare fuel pump relay that I had in the glove box, which made no difference (although I don't know that it's a good one).

I can't remember whether I should hear the fuel pump running with the ignition at position II (before you turn it to start), but I can't. If I should, that might be where the problem lies. Fuel pump? Relay? Something else?

Help!

[wasted]

I think it depends on what relay type you have. Mine used to prime at II, but since replacing the relay it doesn't any more; however the car still runs fine. It could well be the relay at fault though.

What happens when you turn the key? Does the engine turn over?

[the edmundator]

Yes, turns but doesn't fire.

[wasted]

If you have a spare relay, swap it over and see if that helps - I do remember hearing about people who've bridged the terminals with a wire just to see if the pump runs as well. Could be worth a try.

Failing that, is it worth checking the ignition amplifier as well? It's not really a typical symptom though... usually the car won't start when hot.

[mark1gls]

The storm does not want you to sell it that's why it's playing up.

[the edmundator]

The storm does not want you to sell it that's why it's playing up.

It should be trying to endear itself to me, then, not misbehaving.

This bright and crisp morning it has started without a struggle, so I've put it back in the garage where it can think about what it's done.

My guru suggests a faulty fuel pump may be the culprit. The part number is 171906091A which draws a blank from VW Classic Parts, so I'm going to have to buy aftermarket - Crazyquiffs do one for £65 which seems good value compared to £126 from VW Heritage, does anyone have any experience with this part?

Will I be likely to need to renew any other parts when changing the fuel pump? (I like to have everything ready when I start a job).

[MRMENDER]

MK1's the pump is only energised whilst the engine is turning or being cranked.
This could be a mine field Ed.
I would be erring more towards warm up regulator or idle reg valve or even warm up injector over fueling.
However none of the above can be diagonised correctly unless you have the KJet trouble shooting pressure gauges. Then have them on line when the fault occurs :)
The joys of KJet in the 21st century

[the edmundator]

Is the WUR the same as for DX engines? I have a spare one of those lying around, so could try it if necessary.

[mark1gls]

I would see if the car had the same fault again before replacing the fuel pump.
The cold and damp weather and lack of use could be the problem.

[MRMENDER]

Is the WUR the same as for DX engines? I have a spare one of those lying around, so could try it if necessary.

Not 100% sure

I would see if the car had the same fault again before replacing the fuel pump.
The cold and damp weather and lack of use could be the problem.

^^^^ As Mark says ^^^^

[the edmundator]

I'd just been out for a decent spin in the car, getting it right up to temperature and sitting in a bit of traffic, before this happened after reaching home (thankfully).

I don't think damp weather/lack of use would cause this kind of problem, if it had been before I'd been out anywhere I might agree.

I don't really want to wait for it to happen again, only for the next time to be when I'm miles away from home.

[MRMENDER]

All I can say Ed is DON'T go down the route of component changing willy nilly
The easyest of component to change would be the relay so mabe do that?
Otherwise look for a KJet guru with proper diagnostic gauges

[mark1gls]

I agree with mrmender check the basics first, a friend of mine had a starting/running problem he replaced the meter head, fuel pump, lift pump, fuel pump replay, it turned out to be a small crack in the dissy.

[jimmy h]

Ed, when I hooked up all the fuel system on my Storm back in the summer, it worked fine until one day it stopped when I was moving it out of the garage - it would not restart

I knew the fuel pump was not running as I bridged the contacts on the fuse/relay plate (bypassing the FP Relay) , I could just hear the pump making a sort of clicking noise as if it was jammed.It was jammed and I could only free it by running the pump in reverse, it was likely a piece of debris had been blocking it.
It was a brand new pump supplied by Crazy Quiffs.

Make sure this is not the start of the pins/plug burning out on the back of the multi plug which supplies the Fuel Pump!!!

[the edmundator]

Thanks, I'll bear it in mind. Hoping to be able to sort it out in the new year after I've got a series of exams and interviews out of the way. Oh, and decorating the sitting room, hall and stairwell (which I'm led to believe is a higher priority).